West Alabama mines talent-rich recruiting area

Northridge High School defensive back Montell Dent is one of several area players who signed with West Alabama.

Erin Nelson

By Zackary Al-Khateeb

Published: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 10:41 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | Northridge High School defensive back Montell Dent signed his national letter of intent Wednesday with the University of West Alabama.

Dent, who said West Alabama recruited him at cornerback, is excited to finally be able to play at the collegiate level, something he has aspired to for years.

“I have a chance to finally work harder,” Dent said, “and get a chance to play.”

Dent said he found his recruiting process somewhat difficult, as he visited many schools he said he liked, including Miles, Delta State and Western Illinois. Dent said he was happy for the recruiting process to be over.

“I went to plenty of colleges that I really liked,” Dent said. “And I finally came down to the one I really love, and that was West Alabama.”

Dent said he chose West Alabama because of the family atmosphere. He said he felt at home with the program and coaches on his visits.

Now that his recruitment is over, Dent said the only thing he was focused on was being able to start training and practicing in anticipation of the fall.

“I’m ready. Too ready,” Dent said. “I’m still trying to call the coach every day, seeing whenever I can start my workout, seeing when I can come back up there and visit.”

Tuscaloosa County High School offensive lineman Ben Bryant and defensive back Leon Tucker will enroll at UWA as invited walk-ons.

The Tigers also signed Keivondre Watford, who played his high school ball at Central, and Vodrick Lucious, a Tuscaloosa County alumnus, from East Central Community College in Mississippi.

Bibb County High linemen Brady Ingram and Shaundale Smith also signed with the Tigers.

West Alabama also signed Anthony Robinson, a starting quarterback and safety for Linden High.

Robinson (5-foot-9, 155 pounds) said the UWA coaches recruited him as a cornerback. He made the 2012 Class 1A All-State team as a defensive back.

“This day has been coming for a long time,” said Robinson, who also punted and returned punts. “I’m not an emotional type guy, but it felt very good to sign those papers to attend the University of West Alabama. It’s a great day for me and my mom, dad, my sister. It’s great for all of us to know that I’m going to continue at a nearby school. I wouldn’t trade this day for anything.

“The coaches, the atmosphere over there, it was great. It was a great experience for me on my visit.”

Coach Andro Williams, who directed Linden to the third round of the playoffs, said that in 13 games he thought Robinson was the best player on the field. Robinson recorded 62 tackles, made three interceptions and scored two defensive touchdowns. On offense, he rushed for 818 yards and 12 touchdowns and threw for 1,036 yards and 12 touchdowns. He passed for 262 yards and five touchdown passes in one game.

“I love defense,” said Robinson, who wants to major in nursing. “I’m a defensive person. I like to hit. I don’t like to be hit.”

<p>TUSCALOOSA | Northridge High School defensive back Montell Dent signed his national letter of intent Wednesday with the University of West Alabama.</p><p>Dent, who said West Alabama recruited him at cornerback, is excited to finally be able to play at the collegiate level, something he has aspired to for years.</p><p>“I have a chance to finally work harder,” Dent said, “and get a chance to play.”</p><p>Dent said he found his recruiting process somewhat difficult, as he visited many schools he said he liked, including Miles, Delta State and Western Illinois. Dent said he was happy for the recruiting process to be over.</p><p>“I went to plenty of colleges that I really liked,” Dent said. “And I finally came down to the one I really love, and that was West Alabama.”</p><p>Dent said he chose West Alabama because of the family atmosphere. He said he felt at home with the program and coaches on his visits.</p><p>Now that his recruitment is over, Dent said the only thing he was focused on was being able to start training and practicing in anticipation of the fall.</p><p>“I'm ready. Too ready,” Dent said. “I'm still trying to call the coach every day, seeing whenever I can start my workout, seeing when I can come back up there and visit.”</p><p>Tuscaloosa County High School offensive lineman Ben Bryant and defensive back Leon Tucker will enroll at UWA as invited walk-ons.</p><p>The Tigers also signed Keivondre Watford, who played his high school ball at Central, and Vodrick Lucious, a Tuscaloosa County alumnus, from East Central Community College in Mississippi.</p><p>Bibb County High linemen Brady Ingram and Shaundale Smith also signed with the Tigers.</p><p>West Alabama also signed Anthony Robinson, a starting quarterback and safety for Linden High.</p><p>Robinson (5-foot-9, 155 pounds) said the UWA coaches recruited him as a cornerback. He made the 2012 Class 1A All-State team as a defensive back.</p><p>“This day has been coming for a long time,” said Robinson, who also punted and returned punts. “I'm not an emotional type guy, but it felt very good to sign those papers to attend the University of West Alabama. It's a great day for me and my mom, dad, my sister. It's great for all of us to know that I'm going to continue at a nearby school. I wouldn't trade this day for anything.</p><p> “The coaches, the atmosphere over there, it was great. It was a great experience for me on my visit.”</p><p>Coach Andro Williams, who directed Linden to the third round of the playoffs, said that in 13 games he thought Robinson was the best player on the field. Robinson recorded 62 tackles, made three interceptions and scored two defensive touchdowns. On offense, he rushed for 818 yards and 12 touchdowns and threw for 1,036 yards and 12 touchdowns. He passed for 262 yards and five touchdown passes in one game.</p><p>“I love defense,” said Robinson, who wants to major in nursing. “I'm a defensive person. I like to hit. I don't like to be hit.”</p><p><i>Andrew Carroll contributed to this report.</I></p>